Experience the charming medieval market town of Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden is a delightful market town located in north-west Essex, and just 15 miles south of Cambridge. It has a rich heritage of old buildings, including St Mary’s Church, the largest and one of the most beautiful parish churches in Essex. On the north side of town is Bridge End Garden, a newly restored Victorian garden of great charm, which contains a wonderful yew hedge maze and sunken Dutch Garden.

A market has been held here since 1141, and market days are now Tuesdays and Saturdays with shoppers enjoying browsing and buying goods from a variety of market stalls. Beyond the market place, there are many independent shops and eating places to choose from.

Saffron Walden highlights

Bridge End Garden

Tucked away in the back streets of pretty Saffron Walden, this lovingly restored Grade II gem consists of seven interlinked gardens laid out in the nineteenth century, and features a formal knot garden, kitchen garden and a popular hedge maze.

Saffron Walden Museum

This award-winning, “friendly, family-size museum” opened in 1835. With wide-ranging collections covering the history of north-west Essex, from ancient times to the present day, and many other wonderful objects from the wider world.

Fry Art Gallery

Unique collection of work by 20th century artists who have lived in and around Great Bardfield and Saffron Walden including Edward Bawden, Michael Rothenstein, Eric Ravilious and others. Collection includes paintings, books, prints and ceramics.

More highlights.....

One Minet Skate Park

The Park is the first American-built Skate park in the UK. It's a great local spot that transition skaters up and down the country should visit. The bowls have a lot of little corners and bumps to pump around and endless lines you can flow around.

Saffron Hall

Saffron Hall is an award-winning, 730-seat performance space within the grounds of Saffron Walden County High School. Saffron Hall hosts an annual season of concerts and events featuring local, national and international artists.

Audley End Miniature Railway

The Audley End Miniature Railway is an exciting 1.5 mile train ride through the Essex country side perfect for a day out with all the family! Spot the many Teddies in their Teddy Bear Houses around the track or try and find the Fairies and Elves through the Enchanted Woods!

Even more highlights.....

Audley End House and Gardens

Explore this decadent Jacobean mansion house and meet the staff in the Victorian Service Wing. Enjoy stunning views across the unspoilt Essex countryside and wander the tranquil gardens created by ‘Capability’ Brown, gold winner of Anglia in Bloom Awards 2017. Then gallop across to see the horses in the Victorian stable yard, and run, jump and climb in the children’s play area.

Saffron Walden Mazes

The historic market town of Saffron Walden is uniquely fortunate in having four mazes: the ancient turf maze on the Common, the Victorian yew hedge maze in Bridge End Garden, the Jubilee Garden Bandstand Labyrinth and the Swan Meadow Maze. Also of note is Michael Ayrton’s Sun Maze Sculpture in the Fry Art Gallery.

Saffron Screen

Saffron Screen is a not for profit independent cinema. Its professional auditorium boasts a full size screen, 200 cinema seats, and Dolby Digital surround sound. It screens a wide range of films, hosts Q&As and streams international cultural events including theatre, opera, ballet and concerts.